Squid Gamecreator Hwang Dong-hyuk dives into the journey of the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and how Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) becomes a challenge for him throughout season 2. TheFront Man is a former playerwho won a past installmentand took on the mantle of the game’s overseer. In a major twist, the Front Man, also known as In-ho, joins the game as the new Player 001, setting up an alliance with Gi-hun while attempting to sabotage the protagonist’s hopes of dismantling the system.
In a recent interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Hwang addressed what elements of In-ho’s personality were true and false during his time with Gi-hun. While the Front Man was once a player like Gi-hun, the show’s creator stated helacks the enduring belief that humanity can be better,with his games pushing him into a position where he has given up on any hope of change. He compared this characterization to Darth Vader inStarWars. As such,In-holooks down on Gi-hun while also holding some lingering jealousyabout seeing him push forward where he could not:
The Front Man — or, rather, In-ho — is just like Gi-hun: someone who entered the Squid Game with very similar purposes. He experienced all of the cruelties, saw the rock bottom of humanity, was extremely disappointed, which led to him giving up humanity altogether. That’s how he became a host. Much like the story of Darth Vader who couldn’t become a Jedi.
At the same time, what he feels toward Gi-hun is hatred. He looks down on him and wants to win above him. However, deep inside, watching Gi-hun having gone through the same experience he first had in Squid Game, and seeing how Gi-hun is genuinely believing in humanity, is persisting to protect humanity… I believe the Front Man harbors a very strange inferiority complex, or a sense of defeat, when he sees Gi-hun.
As such, Hwang stated that beneath the surface,some parts of In-ho still hope to see humanity’s better side prevail, leading him to partially root for Gi-hun to succeed. Check out his explanation below:
Even deeper down, I suspect he harbors a bit of respect for Gi-hun as well. That’s something Lee Byung-hun, the actor who plays the Front Man, had a lot of discussions about while we were preparing for the season. Because it’s based on that kind of character interpretation, there are times where that mentality peeks through the character. He really sees what he let go of and what he lost when he sees Gi-hun. Secretly, he might even want Gi-hun to fight on.
What The Creator’s Response Means For The Front Man In Squid Game Season 2
The Games Allowed In-ho To Unmask His Darker Persona
DespiteSquidGameseason 2 concludingwith the Front Man adopting his mask again and seemingly quelling the rebellion Gi-hun instigates, many viewers were left uncertain of his journey and what his future may have in store. As In-ho became Player 001, many audiences noted thathe had genuine reactions to the well-being of the games' contestantsand enjoyed their successes. This was especially the case during the Six-Legged Pentathlon, where he was excited to see the first group success in the race.
Although the Front Man spent many years watching and controlling the game among heartless VIPs, Hwang’s response suggests he retained some empathy for the players, and his return brought back such feelings despitehis goal of undermining Gi-hun. Though the Front Man returned to his persona at the end,he did so out of sight of Gi-hun, faking his death before confronting his rival.
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However, due to his experiences in recent games, this has raised many fan theories about whether the Front Man may have a change of heart, in a similar manner to Darth Vader. These theories stem from the possibility thatthe Front Man himself could help dismantle the games from within, given that he has more influence. However, other viewers speculate that the Front Man’s deceit may have impacted Gi-hun in the worst way possible by shattering the protagonist’s hopes for humanity. Nevertheless, the showdown between the Front Man and Gi-hun will bekey inSquid Gameseason 3.
Our Thoughts On The Front Man’s Squid Game Journey
The Front Man Could Be Key To Gi-hun’s Ideals Surviving
Though In-ho’s story in season 1 rarely overlapped with Gi-hun’s, season 2firmly framed them as two sides of the same coin. Both are veterans of the games but took different conclusions from their experiences. As such, season 2 became less of a showcase of humanity’s darkest lengths and, instead, a battle of ideals over true human nature.
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While Gi-hun may be in his darkest hour, the past has shown that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound effect and inspire hope, as seen in his final conversation with former Player 001 (O Yeong-su) in season 1. As such, Hwang’s tease may suggest a similar spark could exist in the Front Man, just waiting for ignition inSquidGame’s third and final season.
Squid Game
Cast
Squid Game is a South Korean series released in 2021 that follows numerous financially struggling participants who are invited to partake in children’s games with deadly outcomes. As they compete, they vie for a substantial cash prize, all while navigating lethal challenges orchestrated by mysterious figures.
